DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for a place in the Lewiston-Auburn region where I can purchase black and white balloons that will also fill them with helium for free or a reasonable price for a high school reunion in July. Thank you. — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots found what you are looking for at a few places. She spoke to Debbie, the owner of Dube’s Flower Shop. She sells her balloons filled with high-float, which she says helps the balloons stay up longer than a typical helium balloon. They cost $1.50 each. You can find her at 195 Lisbon St., across from the Lewiston Public Library. Her number is 784-4586.

Other flower shops in L-A sell balloons as well, or you can go to a specialty shop, such as Balloon Magic in Topsham, 725-8895. A single helium-filled balloon is $1.25 or you may buy a bag of 100 11-inch balloons for $22. Filling them with helium would cost extra.

Sun Spots knows that it is very popular to use helium balloons at various events and then let them soar into the air, but she urges readers to reconsider. When the balloons pop and fall back to earth, they can kill wildlife, especially if they land in the water.

Fish and creatures such as turtles swallow them. The balloons can then block their ability to feed, and the creatures can’t swallow real food. Also, the attached strings and ribbons can wrap around animals, choking or immobilizing them.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Could you please tell me who buys and sells old comic books? I have 30-some books I would like to get rid of. Also, I have some yarn I’m willing to donate to someone who makes mittens or scarves. — No Name, 966-3907

ANSWER: Since Zimmie’s closed, there does not appear to be any place in Lewiston that buys used comics, although Bull Moose sells new ones.

Casablanca Comics, with locations in Portland and North Windham, will buy some comics. You need to call first and talk to Rick. He’s at the Windham store on Tuesdays (892-0056) and the Portland store (780-1676) on Mondays, Thursday and Fridays.

There are numerous online options as well, including eBay.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Now that The Falls restaurant is closed, who will honor the gift certificates from there? — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: Greg Hird was the owner of that establishment. Sun Spots already printed one letter from a gift certificate holder and received no response. Attempts to reach him by phone have failed.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have a gift certificate from Willy Beans. Will they honor it? — H.T., Auburn

ANSWER: In a Sun Journal story, William Hall, one of the co-owners along with cardiologist Michael Lemieux, said they had no plans to relocate the shop, so you may be out of luck. Sun Spots could not find a phone number for William Hall. She tried phoning Dr. Lemieux to no avail.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A member in our family purchased gift certificates for Christmas from the Village Farm in Turner. We use these for lobsters in the summer. The Village Farm has not opened this year. We have tried to call their number several times. We would appreciate it if you could find out how to get a refund or merchandise. There are probably others with the same problem. Thank you. — Judy, Andover

ANSWER: Sun Spots had no better luck than you. There is a home number for the owner in the phone book, but no one ever answers, and there’s no answering machine.

Sun Spots wishes she could be of more help, but when small businesses like those above go under, options are limited. You may pursue the case in small claims court, but that often costs more than the value of the gift certificate, and if the individual or business goes bankrupt, you will lose that money as well.

Times are very tough, and more businesses are likely to go under before we come out of this beastly recession. If you are holding onto gift certificates, best to use them now!

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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